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E39 (1997 - 2003) The BMW 5-Series (E39 chassis) was introduced in the United States as a 1997 model year car and lasted until the 2004 when the E60 chassis was released. The United States saw several variations including the 525i, 528i, 530i and 540i. -- View the E39 Wiki

Well my friends, it's time for my 540i to get a few major repairs done to the motor. A few weeks ago I took my ride to a local indie BMW mechanic for a diagnostic. Most of the things on this list I can't DIY since I don't have access to a wide array of tools.

Let me give you a little background to my inquiry. My M62TU has a startup rattle and seems like it's down on power on low end acceleration. Thus suggesting my VANOS seals are bad as well as the timing chain guides are bad.

My question for you is: should I get the oil valley pan gasket, valve covers, and vanos seals done at the same time?

You have to have the the valve covers of for the vanos seals and timing guides, so that should be built into the price.

The valley pan seal would be extra but as they stripping all the water pump and timing cases it would be good piece of mind and a small % increase in cost. I think the timing guide chain is listed as 20+ hours, then $500 in parts. Vanos seals would probably add a few more hours (I don't think the two jobs completly over lap). So your looking at a big bill for this work......

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An e39 is like a beautiful wife, needs constant attention, lots of money, lets you down at the worse times but you’d never be without it.